A/n: Couldn't get this out of my head ever since I watched the episode. It's just what was going through my head, especially the first scene.

5-0 5-0

"This" Danny jerked his thumb to the side "Is depressing. Okay? They've got a nicer tree than I do."

Steve leaned back further into the wall, hands in his pockets as he replied automatically "Your tree is fine."

"No. My tree is not fine. It's small, it's depressing." He emphasized each point with his hands. "It's pathetic, okay?"

Steve didn't miss a beat. "Nah, it's just like your apartment. It's perfect."

Frustrated, Danny began to explain precisely why everything needed to be perfect. "You know what's perfect? Perfect is that I get Grace for six hours on Christmas day. Okay? Six hours just her and I alone in my apartment. Okay? If I was back home, we'd be at my mother's house. Forget about the food she would cook, but I would have big tree, a huge lovely tree and Grace would be surrounded by the people that love her. . ." He trailed off.

"Listen to me, all right? I know something about being raised by a single father. All Grace's going to remember is that she spent her Christmas with Dad. Okay? That's what's perfect, so just relax about the tree." He took a breath. "Here's Sang Min."

5-0 5-0

It was only later that Danny would recall the look on Steve's face as they talked it was then he realized he'd screwed up.

Here he was, complaining about his dinky tree and how he didn't get to spend Christmas in Jersey with his parents and his whole extended family, and Steve had been trying to make him feel better.

And all the while Danny was sure that his partner had been thinking about his own Christmas plans.

Alone.

Steve was probably going to spend Christmas alone. His parents were both gone, he wasn't stationed on some Navy base with his buddies, and Mary wasn't around either. Danny hated himself for not realizing it sooner. They were supposed to be partners, even if his partner was a crazy SEAL who had just stolen ten million dollars.

The others were already gathered around the table for their dinner of pizza, and Danny approached with what he hoped was a confident stride.

"Hey, guys" they looked up at him.

"Hey brah, dig in!" Kono said with a wry grin.

"In a second. Look, I wanted to invite you guys over for Christmas." Chin and Kono smiled, but Danny was watching his partner. Steve's head jerked up, his surprise quickly squashed under his 'stoic face' as Danny was coming to call it.

"You sure man?" Steve asked as he swallowed his mouthful of pizza. "I know you were really looking forward to the time alone with her."

Danny shrugged, hoping he looked nonchalant. He really hoped Steve at least would come. The team was quickly becoming his family here in Hawaii, despite Steve's best efforts to kill him, like the stunt with the taxi on the sidewalk.

"Yeah. I think I'd like to spend Christmas with the family I've got here." As he said it, he watched Steve carefully again. "So, you know, you guys."

A small smile pulled the corner of Steve's mouth upward. "Sure. I'll be there."

"Count me in too" Kono said with a grin.

"Why not?" Chin added. "We'll all come."

Danny grinned. "Great. Cause I've got a Santa suit to tailor."